Crime Line - Newport News/hampton

August 11, 1989

NEWPORT NEWS

Newport News police and fire investigators are seeking information that might help solve a series of recent arsons in the Stoneybrook section that have destroyed or damaged more than $100,000 worth of property, including a house.

The arsonist's spree began July 23 when a fire that had been set resulted in $3,000 damage to a 1981 Toyota pickup parked on River Mews Drive. The same night, a 1986 Toyota Celica was burned on Grant Drive, resulting in a $10,000 loss.

The arsonist struck again six days later, burning a Ford convertible, a 1980 Pontiac Phoenix and a Ford Mustang, all on Arline Drive.

On July 30, a 1984 Mazda pickup mysteriously burned in the driveway of a house in the 100 block of Linda Drive, police said.

The arson blamed for the heaviest property loss also occurred July 30 when a stolen car was abandoned and ignited in the driveway of a ranch-style house at 152 W. Rexford Drive. The fire spread quickly to the $81,000 house and engulfed it.

Fire officials said the owner was in Europe when the house was destroyed.

Anyone with information that will help police identify the arsonist is urged to call Crime Line at 245-0755. In addition to any reward from Crime Line, the Virginia Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention is offering up to an additional $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the persons involved.

HAMPTON

On June 26, shortly after midnight, a woman was dragged from her yard on Tallwood Drive in Hampton and attacked by an unknown man. She was able to escape unharmed.

Some 3 1/2 weeks later and two blocks away, a woman was sexually assaulted in her home on Gumwood Drive by a man who entered after removing a glass and cutting a screen on the back door. Hampton police said the woman awoke to find the suspect lying on top of her. He covered her face with his shirt and raped her.

Hampton Crime Line is asking for help in solving the July 21 attack, which police think might be related to the earlier attack on Tallwood.

In both crimes, the suspect was described as a black or dark Hispanic man, 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall, in his 20s, who spoke with a soft voice and possible accent. The suspect on Gumwood had a flashlight attached to his belt. He was wearing a white T-shirt and plaid shorts.

Anyone with information that might help investigators in these cases is urged to call Crime Line at 722-9800.

Crime Line callers never have to give their names or testify in court. Tips that result in indictments or arrests can earn callers as much as $1,000 in rewards.